EARLIER CLOSING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 5, 7 January 1942, Page 4

EARLIER CLOSING

SHOPS' LATE NIGHT

POWER IN REGULATIONS

Regulations were issued last night giving power to the Minister of National Service, if he thinks it necessary or expedient, to authorise or direct any local authority to fix for the shops in its district an earlier closing time on the late shopping night. The Minister of National Service (Mr. Semple) explained that it had been found desirable to make provision for an adjustment of shopping hours and the elimination of the late shopping night should this become necessary either generally or in any particular localtiy. "Where a direction is given for earlier closing on the late shopping night occupiers of shops may be authorised to keep their shops open on other days of the week after the ordinary closing hour to make up the time lost by the earlier closing on the late night. Provision is made whereby overtime will not be payable for any time worked under this arrangement between 5.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on days other than Saturdays so long as the normal weekly hours are not exceeded. Mr. Semple said that before the regulations become operative in any district, due notice with the hours fixed for closing the shops will be given by the local authority in one or more newspapers circulating in the district. ____________